Shay Theisen, MS, OTR/L
Licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist
shayt@irismentalhealthmn.com | (952) 212-6085
Note: Shay is not taking new clients until she returns from leave in Spring of 2025.
“Play is the primary occupation for all children. It sets the foundation for everything they will do in life, and allows them to explore new concepts and skills hands on. Children learn best through play, and can also teach us so much if we join them!”
Shay has a passion for working with young children and their families. She has extensive knowledge and experience working with children on the Autism spectrum, experiencing developmental delays, ADHD, Anxiety, and sensory processing differences, as well as a variety of physical and neurological disorders. Shay believes in family centered practice and setting meaningful goals. She strives to help children and parents feel confident in their abilities and bring ease to their daily routines.
Shay offers individual visits with children from birth to 18 (and their parents or caregivers) to target developmental delays and promote optimal development, increase independence in daily tasks and meaningful activities, building functional communication skills, and improve self-regulation, emotional regulation, and sensory processing skills. She also offers group workshops focused on building community with parents in similar walks of life and learning valuable skills in the areas of: developmental play activities for infants, promoting optimal motor development, potty training, and adding a new sibling.
Education: B.A. in Kinesiology from University of Minnesota & M.S. in Occupational Therapy from The College of St. Scholastica
Certification: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy- #341248
License # MN 104823
Specialties:
Sensory processing differences
Developmental delay
Potty training
Brain boosting activities for babies
Easing transitions between activities
Self-regulation and emotional regulation
Behavior difficulties
Self-care independence
Modalities:
Play based therapy
Parent education
Home programming
Why did you become an OT? I have always loved working with children and been interested in the medical field. I was looking for a career where I could help people and be creative and stumbled upon occupational therapy! I love that I get to think outside the box, problem solve, and come up with new ideas every day to help people meet their goals and feel confident in their abilities. After completing some shadowing at a variety of pediatric settings, I knew OT was for me.
What are your interests outside of work? My husband and I have two boys (with twins on the way!) that keep us on our toes. When I am not at work, I love to spend time outside playing with my kids, going for walks and adventures, being at our cabin, and just spending time with friends and family. The past couple years we have completed the 1,000 Hours Outside challenge and try our best to live by the motto “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” -Alfred Wainwright
Do you have any pets? We have a 7-year-old lab mix named Weston. He is the sweetest boy! He loves trips to the cabin and the dog park and taking naps in the sun.